News Agency of Nigeria
Faluyi urges Registrars to uphold academic integrity

Faluyi urges Registrars to uphold academic integrity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Milicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The immediate past Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi, has urged university registrars to uphold academic integrity and not compromise educational standards.

 

 

 

Faluyi made this call during her presentation at the Trinity University Registry Lecture Series held on Thursday at the City Campus in Yaba.

 

 

 

The event, with the theme ‘Responding to the Dynamics of Change in University Governance: The Strategic Role of the Registrar’, addressed contemporary issues in academic administration.

 

 

 

She noted that maintaining academic integrity is crucial in enhancing education quality and tackling challenges like plagiarism and fraudulent academic institutions.

 

 

 

Faluyi stressed the need for vigilance regarding academic practices, especially concerning institutions both locally and internationally.

 

 

 

She encouraged registrars to develop sustainable strategies that would strengthen university administrative frameworks in line with global best practices.

 

 

 

“Registrars must align with global standards to enhance their institutions’ administrative capacity and respond effectively to emerging governance demands,” she said.

 

 

 

Faluyi highlighted the evolving landscape of university governance, citing policy shifts, technological change, and rising stakeholder expectations.

 

 

 

“The Registry must act as custodian of institutional memory, anchor of regulatory compliance, and enabler of governance reforms,” she added.

 

 

 

She said the Registry’s strategic role ensures continuity, stability, and responsiveness during institutional transformations.

 

 

 

Looking ahead, she described the Registry not merely as an administrative arm but as a key player in shaping university governance.

 

 

 

“Its contribution to a culture of excellence, integrity and responsiveness will be vital in meeting future challenges,” she said.

 

 

 

In his remarks, Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Clement Kolawole, said the lecture would enrich the institution’s academic and administrative culture.

 

 

 

Kolawole urged government to revisit the policy excluding private universities from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

 

 

 

He described the exclusion as a major challenge, noting that private universities also play significant roles in the education sector.

 

 

 

He called on policymakers to review the fund’s eligibility criteria to include private institutions and promote inclusive development.

 

 

 

“Our students are Nigerians, and their parents are taxpayers like those in public universities.

 

 

 

“Including private universities in TETFund would boost infrastructure and research, and ensure fairer resource distribution,” he noted.

 

 

 

He added that this would help raise the quality of education and enhance graduates’ global competitiveness.

 

 

 

In his opening remarks, the institution’s Registrar, Mr David Oyejide, said the event was designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and professional engagement.

 

 

 

He described the lecture as an annual initiative to promote collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and adapt to emerging academic trends.

 

 

 

He added that the event will support professional development and continuous learning among registry staff.

 

 

 

“This initiative reflects our commitment to professionalism, one of our university’s core values,” Oyejide said.

 

 

 

He stressed the vital role administrators play in university growth and policy implementation.

 

 

 

Oyejide described the Registry as the backbone of the institution, ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding academic records.

 

 

 

He said the lecture’s theme was chosen to reflect the evolving responsibilities of registrars in governance reform.

 

 

 

The event was attended by registrars from institutions including UNILAG, YABATECH, and Redeemer’s University. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

WAPA charges Lagos youth on innovation

WAPA charges Lagos youth on innovation

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has urged young people to embrace creativity and innovation to thrive in their careers.

 

 

 

She gave this charge on Wednesday during a programme organised by the Ministry to mark the 2025 World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) in Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WCID, celebrated globally on April 21, raises awareness of creativity’s key role in human development.

 

 

 

Dada emphasised that thinking outside the box fosters a resilient and progressive society, urging youth to apply creativity and innovation in all aspects of life.

 

 

 

She noted that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration continues to invest in skills acquisition and vocational training for women and young people.

 

 

 

“In today’s fast-changing world, creativity is essential — from business to technology — the strength of ideas and original thinking cannot be overstated,” she said.

 

 

 

She described this year’s WCID theme, ‘Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress,’ as both timely and uplifting for the Ministry’s ongoing mission.

 

 

 

The Ministry, she said, aims to empower and transform lives through skill-building, education, and innovation across the state.

 

 

 

“Our skills acquisition centres have become innovation hubs, nurturing ordinary people into exceptional talents,” she added.

 

 

 

Dada called on the private sector, NGOs, and development partners to collaborate with the Ministry to expand platforms for creativity to flourish.

 

 

 

She praised the instructors at the skills centres for their dedication to passing on valuable knowledge and practical skills to their students.

 

 

 

She also encouraged those who showcased their crafts during the training to remain committed and continue honing their skills.

 

 

 

“We are proud to display the remarkable talents of our students in trades like fashion, catering, carpentry, beadwork, and digital technology.

 

 

 

“These young artisans and creatives represent the future we envision — one driven by innovation, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

 

 

 

“We must understand that innovation grows where support, mentorship, and investment are present.

 

 

 

“Let’s equip our youth with tools, opportunities, and confidence to imagine, create, and achieve great things,” she said.

 

 

 

Also speaking, Mrs Joy Ikpea, the resource person at the event, urged youth to distinguish themselves through creativity and innovative approaches.

 

 

 

She described innovation as the country’s “new crude oil” and encouraged young people to tap into its potential to succeed.

 

 

 

“What sets you apart in a crowd doing the same job is your creativity and uniqueness.

 

 

 

“The world isn’t waiting for excuses — it wants to see what you’re doing differently,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Victor Adeoti / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Ernest Shonekan Centre, NBA-SBL partner for legal reforms

Ernest Shonekan Centre, NBA-SBL partner for legal reforms

 

 

By Adebola Adegoke

 

The Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

 

 

 

The agreement aims to strengthen legal and economic reforms in Nigeria for improved competitiveness and inclusive business growth.

 

 

 

At Thursday’s ceremony in Lagos, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to a responsive legal environment that boosts investment and economic development.

 

 

 

Mr Kyari Bukar, Chairman of ESC, said the agreement formalises nearly ten years of collaboration between both organisations.

 

 

 

He stated they had consistently shared expertise, held discussions, and launched initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s business landscape.

 

 

 

“This is not merely ceremonial; it solidifies a strategic alliance for legislative, judicial, and regulatory reform supporting economic transformation,” Bukar said.

 

 

 

He described the ESC as a platform for legal reform and economic progress, focused on evidence-based policy, institutional capacity, and regulatory modernisation.

 

 

 

Bukar added that the partnership reflects a shared belief that strong legal frameworks are vital for a competitive economy.

 

 

 

He cited the joint production of an Economic Impact Assessment Report which led to the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER).

 

 

 

That initiative, he said, enabled major reforms like the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Arbitration and Mediation Act.

 

 

 

He added that the collaboration requires courage, consistency, and commitment—qualities shared by both organisations.

 

 

 

Mrs Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of NBA-SBL, highlighted the need for sound legal and regulatory systems to attract investment and promote innovation.

 

 

 

She said the agreement marks a major step in creating a better business climate and fostering sustainable economic growth.

 

 

 

“Our country’s progress has long been obstructed by legislative and judicial bottlenecks.

 

 

 

“With this partnership, we begin to tackle those issues directly and systematically,” Ogiemudia added.

 

 

 

She explained the MoU provides a framework for joint advocacy, policy research, and capacity building to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions.

 

 

 

According to her, the alliance will push for better business practices, transparency, and accountability across sectors.

 

 

 

“It includes engaging regulators, identifying legislative gaps, and providing timely insights to policymakers,” she said.

 

 

 

Dr Uchenna Ogbonna, ESC’s Executive Director, noted that the collaboration will ensure legal and business reforms attract foreign investment.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ESC was set up by the NESG in 2023 to promote reforms that improve Nigeria’s business environment.

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NIFST intensifies food safety awareness in Lagos market

NIFST intensifies food safety awareness in Lagos market

 

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos Chapter, has intensified efforts to promote food safety awareness among market vendors and consumers in Lagos State.

 

The state Chairman of NIFST, Mrs Kikelomo Amoreoluwa, made this known at a food safety awareness programme organised by the institute at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin.

 

She said the initiative was part of their ongoing celebration of the World Food Safety Day, observed globally on June 7.

 

Amoreoluwa highlighted the institute’s commitment to educating the public about the dangers of unsafe food practices.

 

“This programme is aimed at interacting with everyone in the food value chain, from aggregators to street food vendors.

 

“This market visit is the third event in our series of awareness programmes, following radio appearances and a webinar designed to reach a broader audience across Nigeria,” she said.

 

She stressed the need to sensitise both market vendors, aggregators and consumers that if food was not safe, then it was no longer food, but poison to the body.

 

Citing instances, she said some sharp practices that could lead to food contamination and illness include the use of harmful chemicals such as sniper on dried products, such as beans and fish to deter insects.

 

She added that some market vendors used detergents to soak cassava.

 

“Another sharp practice is ripening fruits like plantains and bananas with carbide, and washing oranges with soapy water instead of plain water with a little salt or vinegar,” Amoreoluwa said.

 

She further stressed the importance of proper food preservation, citing a tragic case of food poisoning due to inadequately warmed food, leading to a young man’s death.

 

Amoreoluwa also spoke on food fraud, where vendors try to clean and re-sell moldy rice by rinsing it and using oil to make it appear shiny.

 

On government efforts, she noted that more needed to be done in the area of food safety awareness.

 

The chairman urged the government to enhance awareness efforts through collaboration with institutes such as NIFST to support regular advocacy programmes across radio, print, and social media.

 

She also highlighted a new Federal Ministry of Health guideline requiring food handlers to undergo medical tests twice a year to screen for conditions such as hepatitis A and typhoid, which would prevent them from handling food.

 

Also, Mrs Yetunde Popoola, the Street Food Safety Committee Chairman at NIFST, reiterated the purpose of the World Food Safety Awareness Programme at Ojuwoye Market.

 

Popoola stated that the initiative, themed “Food Safety Science in Action”, was aimed at enlightening and sensitising food handlers about the implications of sharp practices.

 

“All that we are doing is to reach the grassroots and let them know that if it is not safe, it is not food,” she said

 

She highlighted that these unsafe practices could harm consumers, including the vendors’ families.

 

Also, a member of NIFST, Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe, elaborated on the programme’s objectives, stressing the importance of food hygiene and the need for food vendors to understand the science behind safe food handling.

 

Olagoke-Komolafe highlighted the critical role of proper hand washing, maintaining a clean environment, and storing perishable goods on elevated surfaces rather than on the floor.

 

She also highlighted the dangers of leaving cooked food exposed to flies, and called for more consistent and widespread campaigns beyond just the World Food Safety Day.

 

Mrs Tomilayo Kayode, Head of Inspectorate Environmental and Occupational Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, commended NIFST for the awareness programme.

 

Kayode noted that many market people were unaware of the significance of the World Food Safety Day and the importance of food hygiene.

 

She emphasised that food safety would prevent illnesses and food borne diseases.

 

Kayode disclosed that her unit inspects workplaces and marketplaces, kitchens and food storage facilities regularly and demands medical certificates of fitness from food handlers.

 

Also, Mrs Esther Uwah, Chairman Professional Association of Public Health Nurses, Lagos State Chapter, described the food safety awareness programme as a noble initiative that should be done regularly to address epidemics caused by poor hygiene practices.

 

Uwah expressed concern over the relationship between meat sellers and fruit sellers, especially the risk of cross-contamination from flies and poor food handling practices.

 

She also highlighted the impact of inadequate electricity supply on food safety, noting that temperature fluctuations could cause food spoilage.

 

”There is a need for consistent power supply and affordable food prices to promote safe food handling practices, ”she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Redefining tourism key to Nigeria’s economic growth – Experts

Redefining tourism key to Nigeria’s economic growth – Experts

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Experts have stressed the need to redefine Nigeria’s tourism sector citing its potential to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, boost foreign exchange earnings, and drive long-term socioeconomic development.

They made the call at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Hotel and Tourism Group seminar on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was: “Redefining Tourism and Hospitality Industry for Sustainable Economic Development.”

 

The Executive Director, West Africa Tourism Organisation, Mr Hassan Zakari, said tourism and hospitality offered a key path to sustainable growth and jobs.

 

Zakari quoted that the sector had the potential to tap into a global market supporting over 41 million jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

 

Zakari said Nigeria had a unique opportunity to reshape tourism by embracing sustainable, technology-driven models and moving beyond outdated approaches.

 

He noted that the country’s hotel revenue was projected to reach $1.67 billion by end of 2025, representing a robust recovery and expansion from pandemic lows.

 

“This figure demonstrate the sector’s remarkable resilience and growth potential, with strong demand fundamentals supporting continued investment despite macroeconomic challenges,” he said.

 

Zakari said key challenges facing the sector included exchange rate volatility, insecurity perceptions, skill gaps and infrastructure deficits.

 

He called for coordinated action from government, private stakeholders, and international partners to unlock its full potential.

 

“With coordinated efforts, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority expects the sector to surpass $12 billion in annual revenue by 2026, significantly boosting national economic growth,” he said.

 

The President, LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, represented by the Deputy President, LCCI, Mr Leye Kupoluyi, said tourism and hospitality had emerged globally as key economic drivers.

 

He said they contributed to not only to Gross Domestic Product but also to employment, cultural preservation, and foreign exchange earnings.

 

Idahosa, however, noted that in spite of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, vast landscape, and entrepreneurial population, its tourism sector remained under-leveraged.

 

He said Nigeria must begin with a candid assessment of the structural and operational challenges impeding progress to redefine the tourism and hospitality industry.

 

He said the country must have a unified tourism brand or digital strategy to showcase its unique assets, improve infrastructure and shore up its security architecture to boost tourists’ interests.

 

“There should be a global media campaign branded “Destination Nigeria: Safe, Diverse, Beautiful.”

 

“We also call for the enactment of governance reforms by creating a National Tourism Council under the Presidency to harmonise policies and streamline investment approvals, while also introducing a Tourism Investment Promotion Act with fiscal incentives.

 

“Nigeria must embrace technology by supporting tourism-tech startups, offering smart tourism portals, and digital booking systems that enhance traveler experience and collect valuable data for decision-making, ” he said.

 

Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director, Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels and Suites, said to awaken the huge tourism potential, Nigeria must embrace a new approach rooted in authenticity, driven by innovation, and fortified by strategic collaboration.

 

Gbadebo noted that Nigeria’s story had largely been told by others, often painted with a brush of sensationalism and negativity, meanwhile the nation was bursting with stories of resilience, creativity, and triumph.

 

“We have a globally influential music and

film industry, a fashion scene that sets trends worldwide, and a rich, diverse history that is as compelling as any other civilization on earth and these are the assets we must leverage,” she said.

 

Gbadebo added that young Nigerians must henceforth be empowered to see tourism as a career path that spanned hotel management, culinary arts, digital marketing and policy development.

 

She emphasised the need to work with universities and vocational schools to align curriculum with market realities, ensuring that Nigeria was building the workforce of tomorrow, today.

 

Mrs Abiola Ogunbiyi, Chairperson, Hotel and Tourism Group, represented by Dr Tunde Lawrenson, the group’s Deputy Chairman, said Nigeria must begin to globally noise about its tourism offers and potential.

 

Ogunbiyi noted that the country’s movie industry, Nollywood, was where it was today because of its awareness drive and information about its rewards and possibilities.

 

She also emphasised the need to shore up shortages in tourism infrastructure, saying that a sustainable tourism sector could provide sustainable alternative to the country’s oil dependency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Air Peace gets Heathrow grant, begins Abuja-London flight Oct. 26

Air Peace gets Heathrow grant, begins Abuja-London flight Oct. 26

 

 

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

 

 

 

Air Peace Airline has announced the commencement of Abuja to Heathrow Airport in London on Oct. 26 after receiving grant from the British authority.

 

The Chairman of the airline, Dr Allen Onyema, made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

Onyema disclosed that the grant was as a result of the confidence the international aviation community has in the airline.

 

He also announced that before the end of the year, the airline would add Congo, Garbon and Brazzaville to its schedule.

 

Onyema said that flights from Abuja to London Heathrow would be four times weekly, with Lagos to London Gatwick three times weekly.

 

He also said there would be direct flights to the Caribbean, particularly Antigua in September, and later, to Barbados.

 

The airline boss assured increased fleet capacity of Boeing 777, wide bodied aircraft acquisition as a result of the dry lease financing, among other new aircraft to match the schedules.

 

According to him, the airline has 36 outrightly purchased aircraft and four on wet lease, with new aircraft expected soon.

 

He assured passengers of on-time services, saying “since May 12, we have posted over 85 per cent on-time performance.

 

“For the new Air Peace you are about to see, we assure our passengers of on-time services and we are upgrading our Customer Service.”

 

On flight delays and cancellations, Onyema said 94 per cent were not caused by the airline but external forces.

 

He identified the causes as: weather, infrastructure, bird strikes, inadequate landing equipment, sunset airports, unruly passengers, animal strikes, among others.

 

He explained that “in the last five years, we recorded 100 bird strikes; this year alone, over 30 bird strikes, these strikes will affect other flights scheduled for that day.

 

“We do not cancel for the fun of it, we cancel when necessary”, he said.

 

Onyema noted that the airline has international validations because of its safety measures.

 

He also announced that the airline would restart the China route soon, as well as other regional and international routes.

 

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for ensuring ease of doing business in the industry.

 

He added that “the sector had never had it so good, as Nigeria would soon take delivery of dry lease aircraft as a result of the doggedness of the minister.”

 

He expressed the hope that Nigerians would patronise and support the airline.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Strategic investment in youths key to Nigeria’s trn economy- Entrepreneur 

Strategic investment in youths key to Nigeria’s $1trn economy- Entrepreneur 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

Mr Sunny Akhigbe, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, has called for strategic investment in Nigerian youths as a critical pathway to unlocking the nation’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion dollar economy.

 

Akhigbe, founder of “A Boy and His Dream Foundation”, made the call during a media parley in Lagos.

 

The U.S.- based entrepreneur stated that Nigeria’s youth population remains the country’s most valuable economic asset.

 

He emphasised that for Nigeria to achieve its one- trillion dollar target, youths, with a special focus on women and children, must be nurtured through appropriate education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

 

He stressed that without a deliberate commitment to developing the potential of young Nigerians, especially women and children, the country’s economic aspirations may remain unattainable.

 

“Nigeria cannot grow into a trillion-dollar economy without investing in the people who will build it. That means prioritising our youths, especially women and children,” Akhigbe asserted.

 

Akhigbe urged Nigerian youths to take active responsibility in helping the Federal Government achieve its one trillion dollar economy target by developing their talents and using them to create sustainable wealth.

 

He highlighted that Nigeria’s economic transformation depends largely on the creative energy, resilience, and innovation of its young population, noting that these individuals must take ownership of their future and become productive contributors to national development.

 

“The road to a trillion-dollar economy begins with every Nigerian youth realising the value of their talent and transforming that talent into enterprise.

 

“We cannot wait for the government alone. The youth must step up through entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and skill development. This will help the nation to achieve the coveted one-trillion dollar economy,” he said.

 

Through his foundation, Akhigbe stated he had impacted thousands of young people across Nigeria and U.S. with scholarship programmes, microenterprise support, and mentorship initiatives aimed at building leadership and self-reliance.

 

 

 

“We have empowered young people with skills and seed funding to start businesses in Lagos, Abuja, and Nasarawa states. Many of them are now employers of labor,” he noted.

 

Akhigbe called on philanthropists and corporate organisations to collaborate with him to expand his initiatives.

 

He also mentioned he is building software to expose children in Nigeria and the U.S. to success and inspiring stories capable of spurring children and women to leave their comfort zones and create wealth.

 

He further detailed his contributions, stating, “I have built over 100 playgrounds in Edo State to ensure children are allowed to express themselves, an opportunity I never had.

 

“I have invested in agriculture to cater for children in terms of food security, and I am investing in recycling. I want philanthropists to partner with me to expand this.”

 

Speaking on his aspirations, Akhigbe said he is looking forward to producing more inspiring movies and writing more books that would further encourage women and children to be their best.

 

He added that proceeds generated from the sales of these materials would be used to impact more lives.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Global shocks: Experts urge digital resilience for organisations

Global shocks: Experts urge digital resilience for organisations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe

 

Economic experts on Tuesday urged organisations to embrace technology and build digital resilience to protect against volatility, uncertainties, and global disruptions.

 

 

 

The advice was given in Lagos during the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) 2025 Biennial Lecture, held in honour of outgoing president, Alh. Tijjani Borodo.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed: ‘Building Digital Resilience: Governance, Risk and Compliance.’

 

 

 

Digital resilience refers to an organisation’s ability to withstand and recover from both expected and unexpected disruptions, using digital technologies and processes.

 

 

 

Dr Tayo Aduloju, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), said Nigeria had improved its Cyber Risk Index, reflecting stronger defences.

 

 

 

However, he noted that Nigeria remains among the world’s 15 most targeted countries, currently ranking 46th on the National Cyber Security Index.

 

 

 

Aduloju highlighted that global digital adoption has surged, with 125 million new consumers in the US and Europe embracing digital channels since the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

 

In Africa, digital transformation is also accelerating. Smartphone adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow from 51 per cent in 2022 to 88 per cent by 2030.

 

 

 

He advised organisations to assess and strengthen their enterprise resilience, particularly in digital and cyber areas, to better navigate future disruptions.

 

 

 

“The global market will remain volatile. It is vital to future-proof your organisation and minimise time spent in reactive response phases,” he said.

 

 

 

He added that businesses which develop strong capabilities to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity are best positioned to succeed in an unpredictable environment.

 

 

 

Aduloju said Nigeria urgently needs a new digital economy resilience analytics tool to improve institutional readiness and address increasing cyber threats.

 

 

 

He affirmed that the NESG is committed to working with strategic partners to enhance national resilience strategies and digital response capacity.

 

 

 

Chief Anthony Idigbe, Senior Partner at Punuka Attorneys, said current economic, political, and geopolitical uncertainties are challenging and reshaping executive outlooks.

 

 

 

He explained that policy shifts, changing trade dynamics, and economic uncertainty have greatly influenced the perspectives of business leaders across sectors.

 

 

 

To navigate this environment, Idigbe stressed the need for adaptable, forward-thinking leadership that welcomes innovation and change.

 

 

 

He urged corporate boards to actively oversee digital governance to avoid liability risks and enhance digital resilience within their organisations.

 

 

 

“The board must be prepared to reset operations in the event of digital disruptions,” Idigbe advised.

 

 

 

Outgoing CIoD president, Alh. Tijjani Borodo, said his tenure since 2023 included both challenges and successes, with periods of intense deliberation and meaningful progress.

 

 

 

Borodo said he aimed to reinforce CIoD’s leadership in corporate governance, promote ethical leadership, and encourage a sustainable business environment.

 

 

 

He added that his administration focused on promoting excellence in governance and advocating policies that support growth and institutional resilience.

 

 

 

He highlighted achievements including a reconstituted governing council, creation of sectoral groups, new regulations, branch restructuring, and a rebranding of the institute.

 

 

 

“Today, CIoD Nigeria stands redefined and reinvigorated, prepared to shape the future of professional directorship in Nigeria and beyond.

 

 

 

“As I prepare to hand over leadership, I am confident in the institute’s renewed strength and future readiness,” Borodo said.

 

 

 

NAN also reports that the event featured the unveiling of the CIoD’s new logo. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Nigerian culture, Nollywood industry evolving globally – Ewebiyi

Nigerian culture, Nollywood industry evolving globally – Ewebiyi

 

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

 

A Nigerian Nollywood actress and culture ambassador, Mrs Ayo Ewebiyi, has applauded the pace and extent to which Nigerian culture and the Nollywood industry are currently evolving globally.

 

The actress made the commendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

She said the development would, in the near future, boost the country’s tourism sector.

 

“Our cultural heritage is advancing steadily. Take, for instance, the recent annual ‘Ojude-Oba’ festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, where our traditional attire was showcased in vibrant and colourful styles.

 

“I believe we are getting it right now, and very soon, it will become a global tourist destination,” she said.

 

The Nollywood actress also advised filmmakers to embrace quality storytelling in the production of films for the public.

 

She urged them to collaborate in developing the industry and showcasing the rich Yoruba culture to the world.

 

“I want them to come together. Instead of saying, ‘I want to do my own thing, they should collaborate to make a meaningful impact in the industry.

 

“Such collaboration will lead to greater success and higher-quality productions. We should focus not on outshining one another, but on working together.

 

“Avoid producing films merely to compete with others; instead, focus on telling meaningful stories.

 

“These days, it seems like many filmmakers and producers are more interested in competing than in paying attention to the strength of the storyline,” she said.

 

She advised them to always consider their names and reputations, even when they want to produce films.

 

NAN reports that Ewebiyi, popularly known as ‘Mama Oriki’, is a renowned Nigerian musician, poet, and cultural ambassador.

 

She is celebrated for her expertise in Ewi poetry and chanting, as well as for showcasing and promoting Yoruba culture, arts, and traditions through her music, poetry, and performances. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Chinyere Omeire

SEC collaborates with developers on Stablecoin regulation framework

SEC collaborates with developers on Stablecoin regulation framework

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it is engaging with developers to co-create a framework for the regulation of stablecoins.

 

Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of SEC, in statement on Monday in Lagos, was quoted to have disclosed this in a keynote speech at the 2025 Decentralised Finance (DeFi) Conference.

 

Agama said that the commission had been working with DeFi to attract credible players.

 

He said, “The commission believes responsible DeFi can thrive in a regulated environment, and the SEC is looking forward to enhancing investor education and digital literacy.

 

“This is why the SEC is launching a ‘Crypto Smart, Nigeria Strong’ Initiative, targeting young investors across schools, universities, and social media.

 

“It aims to cover basic blockchain principles, how to spot scams, and the value of long-term investing.

 

“The future of Nigeria’s digital assets ecosystem depends on three pillars: collaboration, innovation, and trust.”

 

Speaking on the future of the sector, Agama said that regulatory evolution, through an expanded licensing regime, was in progress.

 

“We are enhancing our licensing architecture to make it more efficient, more transparent, and more risk-based.

 

“Our goal is to attract credible operators while shutting out bad actors by streamlining application timelines, introducing tiered VASP licenses, and incorporating automated compliance monitoring. We are actively exploring a framework for Naira-pegged stablecoins.

 

“These will be fully backed by verifiable reserves, audited regularly by independent custodians, and used for cross-border trade, payments, and programmable finance. Having a framework will allow digital asset innovation to serve real-world economic activity, not just speculation.”

 

The SEC DG noted that the Nigerian digital assets industry had experienced a significant boom, stressing that over 65 per cent of cryptocurrency users in Nigeria are under the age of 35.

 

“These are digital natives, many of whom are financially excluded or underserved by traditional banking. For them, digital assets represent not just speculation but empowerment, a means to save, invest, transact, and create wealth on their terms.

 

“The SEC is also reviewing pathways for digital asset Exchange Traded Funds, custodial wallets for pension funds (with Nigeria’s pension fund assets capped at N16 trillion), and licensed asset managers offering tokenised securities to institutional investors.

 

“This will unlock long-term capital and bring credibility and stability to the sector,” he said.(NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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